JAS Certified Organic.This tea is certified as organic by the government of Japan. As of April 1, 2001, all plant-based organic products produced in Japan must be compliant with Japan’s Agricultural Standards (JAS), as established by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries. The compliance process includes a rigorous application process as well as regular on-site inspections. Once compliant, such products are authorized to be affixed with the official “JAS” seal to allow consumers to easily recognize the product as organic.